It will offer Alfa Romeo's first hybrid powertrain, and possibly a plug-in-hybrid variant.

Expect the Tonale to arrive in the U.S. later this year with a starting price of around $35,000.

This story originally appeared in the May 2020 issue of Car and Driver as part of our 25 Cars Worth Waiting For package. Our sneak preview of the most exciting cars coming in the next few years draws on knowledge from leaked product-development plans, spy photos, and loose-lipped insiders mixed in with information that has already been officially released. The reporting for this story was completed in February and early March, before the auto industry began feeling major effects of the coronavirus pandemic. As many automakers are now delaying or pausing development programs, the debut and on-sale dates reported here may change.

The upcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale promises to be a rare beauty in a sea of luxury-subcompact crossovers. Plus it's Alfa Romeo's first hybrid model. Previewed by a concept model at last year's Geneva auto show, the production version should arrive later this year, starting around $35,000.

The Tonale will ride on FCA's Small Wide platform that also underpins the Jeep Compass and Renegade, so the chassis engineers have their work cut out to make this Alfa feel as lively as the ones we already love. While the concept features a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the production model may use a conventional hybrid setup. Or Alfa may offer it both ways. In any case, the hybrid system will pair with a turbo inline-four, which should also power the base model sans electric assist.

Its competitive set will include the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, Volvo XC40, and more. The Tonale needs to be bulletproof or Alfa risks sealing its fate in the U.S. Also, people might pronounce the name "toenail." Alfa desperately needs more sales if its American comeback is going to last, and considering how good the Giulia and Stelvio are to drive, we're hoping this ute thrives.

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